GU Ute - front coils - too stiff ?

[Dick]

I have recently purchased a 2005 GU Ute and raced off to fit some 3" springs and shocks in the front. I had to do this as the rear had been done already (carried a big fuel tank on tray). It has TJM stuff in rear (heavy duty) and I fitted Dobinsons to the front. Its sits nice now but is very stiff, is this usual with Dobies? std spring was 16mm and new ones are 19mm. I can slam the brakes on and it hardly dips at front .. I also ramped it up and the rear wheel comes way off the ground while the front coil still has at least 50mm to go before it gets anywhere near the bump stop..
I am very new in the Nissan world so any advice of comments welcomed!
Rgds Dick
(bit of a change from a V6 Suzi !)

[bowtie landie]

It is not usual for a particular brand of spring to be too stiff or too soft, as each spring manufacturer usually has a variety of spring specifications to choose from for a variety of applications.

I do not think that Dobinsons make a 3" GU front spring with 19mm material. If they did - it would be very firm. If your calipers measure the material at say 18.6, then it is really 18mm material plus powdercoat.

Does your GU have a steel bar, winch, dual batteries etc?. You really need to look at the load the springs have to support and in what application you intend to use the vehicle. If you want great articulation off road then you will not get good handling and braking onroad (with-out quite a bit of extra work).

You may have the wrong springs for your application - it is important that people ordering springs talk to their supplier - give them as much information as you can - otherwise most suppliers will opt for the heavy duty spring to ensure that it doesn't sag and it handles and brakes well.

PM me with your phone number, if you wish, and I will let you know what Dobinsons part number you should have in your GU.

Regards

Peter K.

[chunderlicious]

not that it means anything now, but EFS in my opinion do the best stable but soft springs. from my experience they break dive very little and drive smooth for the amount of flex they have.

[love ke70]

the shocks arnt too short are they?
the nissan front end is reknowned for lack of flex.
if it is a harsh ride, it may be the caster change, and the shocks going through the radius arms rather than suspension, or the shocks are too stiff for the springs. or the springs are too stiff for the springs.

i have stiff springs and have gone to what most people call a soft shock and have found its a much nicer truck now.

[Dick]

The shocks are about 50mm longer thab std (Dobies) Supposedly matched to the springs ..
it sounds like I should do the castor thing next and see how it goes. Can you do it yourself or does it require a press etc ?